MODOBAG® Taps Engineering & Design Expertise;
Incorporates New Features in Motorized Luggage
Chicago, IL – (May 11, 2016) MODOBAG, the revolutionary new concept in luggage, announced it recently tapped the expertise of some of the leading names in engineering and design, in advance of an anticipated consumer launch this summer. MODOBAG is the world’s first motorized, smart and connected carry-on that gets savvy travelers, tech enthusiasts and urban day-trippers to their destination up to three times faster than walking.
“When MODOBAG soft-launched last Fall, we unveiled one of the most innovative products to hit the travel industry since wheels were introduced 40 years ago,” said Kevin O’Donnell, founder of MODOBAG. “This spring, we partnered with some of the leading names in engineering and design to surpass even our own demanding technology expectations.”
Michael Carvajal, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduate and faculty member, who has worked with entrepreneurs across numerous consumer segments to bring products from concept to prototype to market, partnered with the MODOBAG team as a consulting engineer. Carvajal was previously a member of MIT’s CityCar project that investigated urban mobility systems and designed a two-passenger folding electric vehicle using an innovative Robot Wheel technology.
Boyd Bruner, O’Donnell’s partner and head of technology at MODOBAG says Carvajal’s expertise was a big boost to his team. “Here’s a guy with two patents to his name, that challenged us to explore new ways of doing old things as we fine-tune the design and technology components of MODOBAG. His input was invaluable.”
“The MODOBAG team is hyper-focused on bringing a product to market that has never been done before,” said Carvajal. “This is one of the most unique urban mobility projects I have seen in a long time, and I was happy to share my insight and experience as they finalize their prototype.”
MODOBAG has also formed a relationship with one of the hottest names in consumer development and design. Product Development Technologies (PDT), a regular winner of the prestigious awards, including Awards for Design Excellence (ADEX), Spark Awards, Good Design Awards and more, is providing insight as MODOBAG designers and engineers put finishing touches on a sleek new design of the MODOBAG chassis, dashboard and exterior compartments.
Bruner points to several new features that have recently been incorporated into the design and technology of Modobag, including:
- ballistic nylon shell with 2000 cubic inches of internal stowage space, 85 percent of the space found in a standard carry-on. Cushioned exterior stowage compartments
- fully optimized touch control dashboard with LED backlighting
- retractable steering column with ergonomic accelerator and handlebar. A redesigned one-touch braking system
- 24 volt Lithium-powered electric motor, with an expanded 96 wattage hours
- maximum speeds up to 8 mph with extended range of 6 miles
- polyurethane composite wheels of soft durometer to ensure smooth transport via motor or pull-behind options
- two USB ports to charge phones and/or portable electronic devices
- companion iOS and Android GPS navigation apps to track MODOBAG’s location anywhere in the world
- illuminated electro luminescent branding on the exterior of the bag
All the components of the MODOBAG meet or exceed Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) standards and requirements.
O’Donnell says there is a tremendous amount of positive energy at MODOBAG in anticipation of a new crowdfunding campaign and consumer launch. “Each day our team rededicates itself to our mission of changing the way the world travels. We really are breaking new ground. Our launch is going to be epic.”
For more information on MODOBAG®, visit www.modobag.com.